Episode Details

I examine the Republican backlash to Donald Trump’s approach to Russia, Ukraine, and sanctions as the U.S. midterm elections approach. Republican Representative Max Miller opposes waiving congressionally enacted Russia sanctions, while Ted Cruz, Don Bacon, Chris Christie, Bill O’Reilly, the Wall Street Journal editorial page, and National Review all feature in the debate. The central strategic question is whether Washington should pressure Moscow to end its war or ease pressure on Russia while constraining Ukraine.

As a Reagan Republican, I also assess the domestic political stakes. I look at polling on Vladimir Putin and Russia, campaign advertising that places Trump at the center of congressional races, Trump’s approval among Republicans, historical midterm comparisons, and forecasts for House and Senate control. This is ultimately a leadership test: deterrence and alliance credibility versus accommodation of an authoritarian aggressor.

00:00 The Midterm Mood and Trump’s Political Risk

03:15 Oil Prices, Iran, and the Russia Argument

06:42 Public Opinion on Russia, Canada, and Ukraine

08:42 Polling, Campaign Ads, and Congressional Races

11:52 Historical Midterm Comparisons and Forecasts

14:47 Reagan Republicans, Deterrence, and Ukraine

#Trump #Putin #Ukraine #RussiaSanctions #MidtermElections #RepublicanParty

Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship.

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